Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Athens is 14% more expensive than High Point.

$1,162/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 9%
$51,655/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 19%
$271,800 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 22%
$1,163/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 7%
126,987
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $9,573/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs High Point — common questions

Is Athens or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and High Point?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or High Point?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $9,573/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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